213 N. 33rd
Street
2013 N. 33rd in 1963
This aerial view from 1936 shows 213 N. 33rd with the
original conical roof on the tower (upper left).
Built by Wilson Brothers for Thomas W. Sparks
History
1882, Oct. 13: Title transferred to Kate G. Sparks by Isaac H, Van
Houten
The 1884 directory lists Thomas W.
Sparks living at 1813 Walnut St.
1885 Directory (Fall, 1994): Thomas W. Sparks, manufacturer of
shot & bar lead at 121 Walnut & 131 Carpenter
1890 Dir.: Sparks Thomas W. 213 N 33rd
He moved to 4100 Walnut St.
1890, Apr. 28: Title transferred to Emily S. Lippincott by Kate G.
Sparks
1893: Miss Emily S. Lippincott
1898-‘99 Blue Book: Miss Emily S. Lippincott
1900:
Emily Lippincott 63 Single;
born in N.J.; owner free of a mortgage
Elizabeth Haslam 38 Single;
parents born in England
Emily S. Lippincott was the daughter
of Samuel Roberts Lippincott and Mary Woodward Hastings. She was born in
Cinnaminson, Burlington Co., New Jersey where her father was a farmer. In 1870,
he claimed real estate valued at $30,000 and $100,000 in personal property. Samuel
died in 1879 and Mary in 1881. The 1880 census lists Emily living in
Cinnaminson with her mother and her older sister, Susan, who was also single.
Elizabeth
Haslam was born in Atglen, Chester Co., Pa. in 1861. She
was the daughter of William Haslam and Ann Whitson. William Haslam was born in
England and became a wealthy Quaker businessman. They had two daughters. He
committed suicide in 1863, probably as a result of
mental problems. His wife died two years later. The 1880 census lists Emily as
a student at Swarthmore College. The 1881 catalogue lists her as a student in
the Literary Section.
In
1884, Emily Lippincott and Elizabeth Haslam applied for passports together,
both witnessed by Emily’s father. Emily was apparently well-traveled, have
previously applied for a passport in 1869 with her younger brother, Joshua. Emily
and Elizabeth also applied for passports in 1888 and 1898. Elizabeth traveled
to Europe again in 1925, after Emily’s death.
1906 Blue Book: Miss Emily S. Lippincott
1920:
Emily Lippincott 83 Single;
born in N.J.; owner free of a mortgage
Elizabeth Haslam 56 Companion;
nurse for a private family
Lucy Welsh 60 Servant; black; born in Virginia
1920, May 25: Death of Emily S. Lippincott, 83 years old in
Stockbridge, Mass.
1921, Jul. 19: Title transferred to Benedict A. and Samuel Masel
by Walter H. Lippincott [Emily Lippincott’s nephew]
1926, Mar. 9: Title transferred to Emil Weiner by Benedict A. and
Samuel Masel and then to Edward S. Smolen. There followed a few transfers among
groups of partners.
1928, Jan. 6: Title transferred to Keystone Index Card Co. by
Smolen Realty Co.
Revised
3/19/2014